IZ Jupiter 

DIY budget air suspension. Air suspension device, do-it-yourself installation

This device has been used in the automotive industry for about 60 years. Initially it was installed only on trucks and semi-trailers. But progress does not stand still, so air suspension is now installed on passenger cars. True, not for everything. But what about someone who wants to drive in comfort, but has not yet saved up money for a business class car? The answer is simple: install the air suspension yourself. We'll talk about how to do this today.

What is air suspension

In short, air suspension is a device that does not have spring shock absorbers. The driver can adjust the parameters of this device at his own discretion, and this can be done right on the go. When installing air suspension, standard springs, leaf springs and torsion bars are replaced with reinforced rubber air springs. The elastic element in air bags is air pumped by a special system, which includes the following parts:

  1. Compressor.
  2. Distribution valve system.
  3. Control block.
  4. Receiver.

Depending on the control method, air suspensions can be manual or automatic.

  • in manually controlled suspensions, the car owner independently sets the level of ground clearance (usually such devices are supplemented with pneumatic shock absorber struts, so the driver can manually set not only the ground clearance, but also the stiffness of the suspension);
  • in an automatic suspension, the electronic control unit itself will select the level of ground clearance, based on parameters such as speed, weight, lateral body roll, etc. If the adaptability of the automatic system is very high, then under certain conditions it can seriously lower the center of gravity of the car and repeatedly improve handling, especially when cornering;

According to their design, air suspensions are divided into:

  • single-circuit. In them, air bags with the same pressure are installed on one of the axles;
  • double-circuit. Here the pillows are also installed on the same axis, but the pressure in them may be different;
  • four-circuit. They are considered the best (and most expensive) because these suspensions use microcomputers, pressure sensors and a system of four separate valves, one for each wheel;

The most popular place to install a receiver and compressor in a passenger car is the trunk, or rather, the spare wheel niche. Of course, the spare tire will either have to be moved to another location or removed completely, compensating for its absence with tire sealant.

Is it worth installing air suspension?

In short: yes.

Now let's take a closer look.

What determines a comfortable ride without shaking and strong swaying of the car? Two parameters are important here: the weight of the car and the stiffness of the shock absorber springs. If the car is light and the springs are stiff, the driver is guaranteed to experience shaking. If the car is heavy and the springs are soft, it will roll like in the sea. This problem is aggravated by the fact that it is impossible in principle to match the stiffness of the springs and the mass of the car, since the mass is constantly changing, because the car has a different number of passengers, it can carry additional cargo, etc.

It is also impossible to change the stiffness of spring shock absorbers. Moreover, it falls over time (due to metal fatigue), and along with the rigidity, the vehicle’s ground clearance also decreases.

To regulate the stiffness of shock absorbers, an air suspension was created, the elements of which can adapt to the constantly changing parameters of the car, providing the driver with a comfortable ride in any conditions. Here are its advantages:

  • the vehicle's ground clearance and the rigidity of its struts are adjusted automatically;
  • the car becomes more resistant to overloads: in case of heavy load, the rigidity of the struts rises to the maximum, which avoids damage to other suspension parts;
  • improved handling: driving becomes smoother, car roll on turns is minimal;
  • when using a four-circuit automatic suspension, the longitudinal roll of the car also tends to a minimum, which makes the ride even more comfortable;

This device also has disadvantages:

  • Air shock absorbers cannot be repaired. If they fail, they can only be replaced;
  • the rubber of air springs is sensitive to cold and dirt (this will be discussed in more detail below);

Hydraulic suspensions should also be mentioned here. They perform the same function as pneumatic ones, but their elastic element is a special liquid. And the main difference between hydraulic suspensions is their increased reliability (and a very high price, which is unlikely to be affordable for the average car enthusiast). For example: the service life of an air suspension is on average 200 thousand km, while a hydraulic suspension can easily cover up to 400 thousand km.

From all of the above, a simple conclusion follows: air suspension is a good alternative to both stock springs and hydraulics with its exorbitant price.

Air suspension installation process

Before installing the air suspension, we should determine what we need for the job.

Tools and materials

Sequence of actions when installing air suspension

  • The car trunk opens and the spare wheel is removed from the niche;
  • There are plastic plugs on the side walls of the trunk that hold the mat in place. They are pryed off with a flat screwdriver and removed;
  • After this, the mat itself is removed. This gives access to the nuts of the racks and the holes that will be required for wiring;
  • the compressor is connected to the control unit and receiver as indicated in the instructions. After this, the assembled structure is installed in the spare wheel niche;
  • Then the wiring is connected to the receiver and compressor. Connection is carried out in strict accordance with the instructions on the wire labels;
  • the connected wires are assembled into one bundle, which is led out into the passenger compartment through an opening located under one of the rear seats;
  • then the harness is laid along one of the walls of the cabin, under the rugs and brought out into the engine compartment;
  • there the wires are connected to the battery, ground and to the fuse box as indicated in the operating instructions for the air suspension control unit;
  • Now one of the rear wheels is jacked up, after which, using a 22-mm open-end wrench, the 4 lower mounting nuts on the rear pillar are unscrewed;
  • using a 24mm socket, unscrew the upper mounting nut of the rear pillar through the hole in the trunk;
  • After unscrewing the top nut, the stand is removed. A similar operation is carried out with the second rear pillar. In place of the removed struts, pneumatic struts from the air suspension kit are installed;
  • to remove the front struts, on each of them, unscrew 4 fastening nuts with a 22 open-end wrench;
  • then the brake system hoses are disconnected and removed, the ABS sensor plug is manually disconnected (if the car has one);
  • the front struts are removed, the struts from the kit are installed in their place and securely screwed;
  • pneumatic lines are connected to the compressor, receiver and control unit in accordance with the instructions, after which the hoses are routed through the hole in the trunk;
  • the resulting air line is led into the engine compartment and connected;

Video: installing suspension on Mercedes Viano

Air suspension control

Any high-quality air suspension is equipped with a controller that is installed in the cabin. On its display, the driver can see both the pressure in the air bags and in the receiver. The car owner can choose pressure measurement units at his own discretion. The control units of high-quality four-circuit suspensions allow drivers to choose from several preset modes with a certain ground clearance (in particular, the Air-Lift air suspension, discussed above, has 8 such modes). The driver can select the desired mode with just one click of a button.

Moreover, over time, the driver will not need to click buttons at all, since the system will gradually “learn” the car, “get used” to its operating conditions, to the driving style of the car owner, and will itself maintain the optimal pressure in the air bags.

The air suspension is turned off from the same controller. When turned off, the system sets the average ground clearance, after which the air springs begin to work like regular spring shock absorbers.

Pneumatic shock absorbers are the main advantage of air suspensions. But they are also their weak point. This point is especially clear when the machine is operated in conditions close to extreme.

Air shock absorbers have 2 enemies: sand and cold.


Installing air suspension yourself is a task for advanced motorists who know exactly what they are doing. A novice who just got behind the wheel yesterday will clearly not be able to handle such a task. But experienced car enthusiasts also make mistakes. The most common are homemade products created on pillows ordered online from China. The quality of rubber in such “products”, as a rule, leaves much to be desired. And what management problems can lead to has already been written above.

Air suspension for a car is a suspension with which body height can be adjusted relative to the road, change the ground clearance for off-road travel.

What is air suspension?

Air suspension is used for trucks and various trailers. This suspension is also used on business class cars. It can be the basis of existing similar pendants.

Our readers appreciate this, now the choice is yours: OSCAR 2017 - Car rating. Which car will receive the 2017 Oscar Award from UAP?

The main purpose of this device is ensuring higher road safety and comfort when moving. Some business class cars are equipped with pneumatic elements at the base of the adaptive suspension.

Air suspensions can be divided into three main types. This single-circuit, double-circuit and quadruple-circuit suspensions. Air suspension is often included in a ready-made vehicle package, and can also be installed independently. If you install the suspension yourself, you will have the ability to manually adjust the body height. What is the difference between all three types:

1. Single-circuit suspension is designed for one axis car (rear or front). Single-circuit suspension is often installed on trucks, where the emphasis is on adjusting the rear axle of the vehicle, depending on the load on the body.

2. Double-circuit air suspension can be installed on two axles or on one. This allows adjustment of two axes. But if a dual-circuit suspension is installed on only one axle, then each wheel can be adjusted independently.

3. Four-circuit air suspension is a complex system. In this mode All four wheels can be adjusted, a support system is provided. This pneumatic system is controlled using an electronic unit. The support pressure is regulated with the assistance of special sensors.

The basis of the air suspension design consists of a control unit, special sensors, a compressor for air supply, a receiver, pneumatic elements for each wheel and a control unit. When the suspension is operating automatically, body height is adjustable depending on speed, inclination etc. The operation of automatic and manual adjustment is somewhat different. But in general, the principle and purpose have the same meaning.

On what cars does it come from the factory?

It’s interesting to know that one of the first cars to be equipped with air suspension was Citroen DS in 1955. And imagine, in the very first days, this car model received a huge number of applications, a third of which were made literally within the first hour.

The serial production of the Citroen DS was the first to include air suspension. Today, the production of cars of this brand with this configuration also continues, as well as cars such as Toyota, Mercedes, etc. It is better to use air suspension together with the standard suspension. It will, as it were, take on part of the load, working as an auxiliary element.

To be able to adjust the height of the body relative to the road strip, you can install air suspension and use it together with the standard suspension. Vehicles that are designed to transport various loads, with large bodies and medium-sized trailers, are produced with an already built-in pneumatic system. For example, such as Mercedes, Renault Master, etc. Also various models of dump trucks, large-sized trucks for transporting large loads. In these types of vehicles, a pneumatic system is mandatory. It facilitates the movement of the car and makes driving easier and more comfortable.

On which machines can I install it myself?

How to make air suspension yourself and what car models can you install it on? In practice, manufacturing is not particularly difficult. Contrary to the popular belief that such an installation is unreliable, this process is quite effective and feasible.

You can design and install yourself air suspension for VAZ car. There are some important points to consider. The most difficult moment in the manufacture of suspension for a VAZ is replacing shock absorbers with air springs. It is better to use the original housing of the racks for support. It is necessary to take into account the features of a specific VAZ model and the type of pneumatic cylinders used.

To design an air suspension for a VAZ car, you will need a set of certain parts and mechanisms. No worries. There are no difficulties in this process.

What is needed for this:

1. Compressor.

2. Set of 4 air bags. When selecting pillows, specific models can be used specifically for VAZ, and there can also be others suitable from other car models.

3. Receiver for air injection. It should be cylindrical for a VAZ sedan. For hatchbacks, the receiver is shaped like a spare wheel.

4. You will need 4 pcs. solenoid valves.

5. Connecting tubes.

6. Two pressure gauges.

Directly during the manufacturing process, you may need to purchase other related parts, wires, fasteners, etc. Approximate the cost of all elements in general will be from 800 to 1200 dollars. This depends on the individual design parameters and car model.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any device, air suspension also has advantages and disadvantages. One of the advantages of having a pneumatic system is the absence of noise and smooth running of the car. A big plus is automatic clearance adjustment and the rigidity of the racks during movement. These qualities are inherent in factory installation systems. Regarding the four-circuit pneumatic system, manual installation is not used at all with this model with automatic control. Because it is a very complex and costly process to do on your own.

The disadvantage is low probability of successful repair. For example, pneumatic struts, when they fail, are already cannot be repaired. Only parts need to be replaced.

Cost of the kit and installation itself

If we talk about the cost of a pneumatic system, it varies. Depends on the type (single-circuit, double-circuit, four-circuit). And also the price depends on the manufacturer and supplier. In the price range in Ukraine the cost of pneumatic elements and kits can be from 4,000 to 25,000 UAH. Depends again on the type of model.

Installation cost depends on needs. On average, it can be from 2,500 to 10,000 UAH. It depends on your goals and individual wishes. Before you begin installation, you need to clearly and in detail explain to the technician all the nuances. Because every modification is an additional price. It is not always necessary to buy all the parts to assemble a kit. To do this, it is advisable to seek advice from a specialist in this field. After this already sum up the entire cost of installation and related items workflow.

The air suspension on a trailer for a passenger car is, first of all, a working suspension, an active shock-absorbing element of the chassis that uses the resistance property of the material. In this case, the resistance of compressed air or gas mixture. The design is very different from other types of suspensions, but the compression-release principle remains unchanged.

Types and purpose of trailer air suspension

Every car enthusiast finds himself in a situation where there is not enough clearance on the trailer. It’s unpleasant for anyone to drag a unit on its “belly” along a forest road or snowdrifts, and even more so to feel suspension breakdowns on highway potholes. This can be corrected with the help of air suspension, which has recently become more popular. If earlier trucks and cars were equipped with it, now towed devices have been upgraded.

The air suspension consists of several components:

  1. Air preparation system:
    • Compressor.
    • Dehumidifier.
    • Receiver.
    • Electronic control unit or start relay.
  2. Air tracking and distribution system:
    • valves.
    • Pressure gauges.
    • Pressure Sensors.
  3. Air consumers:
    • Pneumatic struts.
    • Air bags.
    • Wheel inflation.
    • Pneumatic signal.

The air suspension in the classic version is more complex and more effective than the air suspension of a trailer. The difference is that the car uses a full-fledged air strut with a spring, while the trailer uses only part of it - an air spring, which is a rubber sleeve with clamps at the edges. The main reason why “pneuma” is installed is the ability to regulate driving performance, both using a control unit inside the cabin, and remotely from a remote control or even a mobile application.

The benefits are tangible:

  • Car owners with air suspension are less likely to complain about breakdowns.
  • Trailers behave more stable when cornering.
  • Less roll when cornering.
  • Ride quality does not change depending on the amount of cargo.
  • Synthetic rubber is not afraid of sub-zero temperatures and retains its elasticity in severe frosts.
  • Ground clearance suitable for most SUVs.

Types of air bags

Air springs as the main element of air suspension are grouped by type:


Air bag load capacity

The American Firestone 9000 hose-type air spring with a diameter of 120 mm can withstand a maximum load of 680 kg. This figure is measured at a pressure of 6.8 bar. “Pneuma” raises or lowers the trailer by 23 cm. Price per piece starts from 11,900 rubles.

The Air Maxxx2500 balloon-type air spring with a diameter of 177 mm has a load capacity of 1,179 kg. The pillow has a pressure limit of 39 bar. Suspension travel 13 cm. Price from 5,350 rubles per piece.

Popular pneumatic trailers


The problem with foreign models is the rubber-harness suspension, designed for smooth roads. It is not energy-intensive, and impacts from the wheel are transmitted to the frame and body. For example, residential trailers are tied inside with furniture, then the interior is gradually destroyed. The air suspension allows you to install larger wheel sizes for stable operation of the inertia brakes, and to avoid the bottom getting caught on road irregularities.

Caravans, such as the Tabbert Diadem 515 model and boat trailers, are equipped with “pneuma”.

DIY air suspension

Equipping with air suspension is necessary if you want to improve the characteristics of the chassis, especially off-road. Motorists pursue the following goals:

  • Smooth ride.
  • Maneuverability in turns.
  • Increased ground clearance on hilly surfaces.

Motorhomes are often re-equipped with pneuma. They have convenient placement of additional equipment and electrical outlets. Off-road trailers are equipped with “pneuma”, which helps the engine on potholes. What is needed for a complete set of double-circuit suspension for a passenger trailer? The answer to this question is clear if you understand the structure of the pneumatic tract, starting from the buttons on the dashboard to the air bags. When operating manually, it is worth thinking about the location of the injection units. They will be on a trailer or in the trunk of a car.

If they are in a car, they must:

  • Sacrifice some luggage space.
  • Equip the towbar socket with a bracket for main fittings.
  • Extend the main hoses.

If the trailer is equipped with equipment, then you have to:

  • Find or equip additional space for a receiver cylinder and compressors. You can use the space under the bottom or build an internal lockable compartment.
  • Re-pin the towbar socket for additional contact to the electric compressor. Although it can be powered from the trailer's electrics.

The second option is preferable, as it saves money on components. The cost of all equipment for an off-road unit is around 6 thousand rubles. Give or take a couple thousand. It depends on which manufacturer is chosen.

Necessary components for trailer conversion:

Air suspension components

  1. The basis of everything is air bags. “Cushions” from the cab of Scania, MAN, MAZ will fit just right due to their small diameter, which matches the diameter of the springs on the trailer suspension. If not, then you can make a pillow yourself by purchasing a rubber sleeve and clamps (flanges).
  2. The main line is a high-pressure tube with a diameter of 6 mm of the appropriate footage. The use of separate main channels will eliminate the problem of air flow from one air bag to another
  3. Fittings from Camozzi or another company.
  4. For a dual-circuit pneuma, you will need 4 Camozzi solenoid valves that can withstand pressure up to 18 bar, plus a check valve for the compressor.
  5. 12 volt compressor, for example, Belavto brand.
  6. Receiver with a volume of 4-6 liters.
  7. Moisture separator.
  8. Pressure meter. It closes the circuit when the pressure drops to, for example, 6 bar and opens when it reaches 8 bar.
  9. Pressure gauge, tee.

The procedure for carrying out work on installing air suspension:

  1. To select air springs, you need to measure the height of the shock absorbers. This is done as follows:
    • The spring or springs are pulled out from the suspension.
    • The trailer lowers under its own weight.
    • A decision is made regarding the height of the shock absorber and the size of the air spring.
  2. Next, using a bracket, the air spring is attached to the frame. They can do without a bracket, but only if the width of the frame fits the upper flange of the pillow.
  3. Similar actions from the other wheel.
  4. You should check that the cushion does not touch the metal parts of the trailer, otherwise it will tear during operation.
  5. A line is installed from the flange to the control system, and then to the air preparation system.
  6. A compressor and receiver are mounted in the trailer, under it or in the luggage compartment of the car.
  7. The equipment is being electrified with control elements and a pressure gauge displayed on the dashboard.
  8. Testing of completed work.

Maintenance of pneumatic trailers

Trailers with air suspension have three manually adjustable positions:


An air suspension used in off-road conditions needs:

  1. Regular cleaning.
  2. External inspection for the presence of:
    • Deformations.
    • Stability of work on the frame and axle.
  3. Checking maintenance systems.

Video review of the Tough Lander trailer air suspension

Air suspension on a trailer is not new. Every year, components from foreign companies appear more often on the shelves of auto stores and services. Motorists adapt to the conditions of Russian roads, mastering the power of compressed air.

Reading time:

Thanks to air suspension, driving becomes easier and smoother when compared with shock absorbers. How does this element of the car work and does it have any disadvantages? Do-it-yourself air suspension: how to make it, what is the difference between installing the front and rear suspension.

The air suspension allows you to adjust the ride height semi-automatically or completely without the use of physical effort. We are talking about replacing springs, springs and torsion bars with pneumatic cylinders, in which compressed air pumped from the system acts as an elastic element. Despite all the advantages of this element, a do-it-yourself air suspension can only be created if you have basic car repair skills. The process is fraught with certain difficulties and a beginner clearly cannot cope with it.

The design of each air suspension consists of a receiver, a control unit, an air distribution system and a compressor. To improve driver comfort, the suspensions can be automatically or manually controlled.

  1. Automatic air suspension involves independently selecting the ride height electronically, taking into account factors such as acceleration, speed, and inclination. The focus in this case is on high aerodynamic performance. The center of gravity is reduced, so the car's controllability is significantly increased.
  2. Manual control requires the driver's initiative when choosing the height of the ground clearance relative to the road. Manual adjustment is also possible in relation to the stiffness of the suspension if its design involves the presence of shock absorber pneumatic struts.


Modifications

There are three modifications of air suspension:

  1. Single-circuit options are designed for installation on one axle and provide the same pressure in both cushions on it, since the compressor and cylinders are located on the same circuit.
  2. Double-circuit modifications are also installed on one axle, but in essence these are two single-circuit suspensions, thanks to which it is possible to adjust the height of the front and rear of the car relative to each other. The main disadvantage is the roll of the car, since there is a pressure difference between the two wheels that run along the outer radius.
  3. Four-circuit options are considered the best because they use four separate valves for each wheel, pressure sensors and a microcomputer for control. Consequently, the problem with roll is eliminated in this case, since the pillow steadily holds the required pressure.

Advantages and disadvantages of air suspension

Due to the positive properties of air suspension, there is a tendency to install it on both trailers and trucks, as well as passenger cars. The advantages of tuning a car with air suspension are represented by the following possibilities:

  1. Ride height control. This improves handling under all road conditions. In this case, the springs do not need to be changed to softer and longer ones or shorter and harder ones.
  2. Under heavy loads, sagging can be avoided, as the height and stiffness adjustments ensure consistent ride quality.
  3. Handling is significantly improved, and the air suspension compensates for the difference between hard and soft springs by adjusting the pressure.
  4. When driving on uneven roads, body vibrations are smoothed out.
  5. It is possible to install air suspension on any car.

The advantages are significant and there are many of them, however, it is worth knowing about the disadvantages:

  1. Poor resistance to road agents and frost, which significantly reduce the service life of the suspension.
  2. The level of maintainability tends to zero, so failure of one of the elements requires a complete replacement of the suspension.
  3. The cost is much higher compared to traditional shock absorbers.

Air suspension assembly

Since a do-it-yourself pneumatic device is only a subtype, installation is possible on an existing car suspension. The essence of the installation is to replace elastic elements with pneumatic cylinders, therefore, such a modernization scheme can be carried out on any machine. All that remains is to find out how to make an air suspension with your own hands and how to install it.


Necessary tools, materials and equipment

The equipment in this case is standard and every driver has it if he periodically encounters the need for repairs:

  • sealant;
  • hammer;
  • metal brush;
  • Bulgarian.

Do-it-yourself air suspension consists of the following components:

  • a set of racks, even if the ones currently installed are reliable;
  • receiver (you can make it for air suspension with your own hands and not buy it);
  • air suspension cushions;
  • compressor;
  • several different fittings and PVC pipes with a diameter of 6 and 8 mm;
  • two pairs of solenoid valves;
  • Any oil and moisture separator will do;
  • pressure gauge;
  • Control block.


Front suspension assembly

It is worth considering separately the technology for installing the rear and front suspension, since in the case of the latter the scheme is more complex.

  1. Knock the cap off the stand and clean off the paint layer using an angle grinder.
  2. Press the adapter onto the post and add spacers underneath to increase the softness.
  3. Select small diameter fittings or tubing and place them near the air holes in the adapter.
  4. Install the air spring onto the strut. The height of the bump stop should be calculated in advance, otherwise the spring may fail after the first strong impact on the road.
  5. Use caulk and a copper press washer to seal the connection.
  6. Secure the support bearing to the strut so that the rod does not rotate inside the shock absorber when the steering wheel is turned.
  7. Connect the air tube to the pillow socket.
  8. Now you can install the finished structure.


Rear suspension assembly

The step-by-step procedure for assembling the rear suspension is as follows:

  1. Trim the spring cup a little and remove the paint coating.
  2. To the end of the rack rod it is necessary to cut a thread for pneumatics.
  3. To seal, install a press washer and then put the air spring on the rod.
  4. To achieve particularly smooth movement, you can not install a bump stop, which will result in a strong lowering of the rear of the car.
  5. Press the air spring to the end of the shock absorber.
  6. Apply air supply.


Installing air suspension on a car

Before installing the air suspension yourself, remove the struts from the car. A beginner's skills will be enough in this case - just lift the car with a jack and follow the step-by-step process:

  1. Use existing holes to install the stand or make new ones if necessary.
  2. Remove the rubber bands and stretch the tubes to ensure air supply; then they must be secured in relation to the body using clamps.
  3. Attach the receiver to a special bracket near the gas tank.
  4. Lead the tubes from the airbags along the steering rods and lead them into the engine compartment. Make the wiring in two directions - to the receiver valve and the relief valve.
  5. Connect the pneumatics to the control unit toggle switches.

Functionality check

Be sure to check the system's functionality. After increasing the pressure to 8 atmospheres, check for leaks in the system by ear; there should be no hissing. Next, set the pressure in the system to 6 atmospheres for the rear suspensions and to 8 for the front ones. Do not rush when pumping air, otherwise there is a chance that the compressor will overfill the system. At the final stage, adjust the wheel alignment.

Suspension control

A control unit with 8 buttons is responsible for controlling the air suspension. Each button is responsible for a specific strut or shock absorbers in the complex. To receive data from each airbag, be sure to install the controller in the car interior. Based on the road situation, you can reduce or increase the air pressure in the airbag to reduce or, accordingly, increase ground clearance.

The corresponding button on the controller will allow you to disable the air suspension if necessary. The ride height indicators will immediately become average and the cushions will activate the standard spring shock absorbers.

Conclusion

Do-it-yourself air suspension is quite practical and stable in everyday use under different road conditions. The ride of the car will be soft and smooth, regardless of the quality and type of road surface. As for installation, a beginner is unlikely to be able to cope with all the stages of pre-manufacturing the air suspension on his own. Even if you have the relevant knowledge and experience, it is better to enlist the support of a partner and give preference only to reliable components.


3411

The presence of air suspension in a car provides smoother and easier control compared to shock absorbers, but in order install air suspension yourself you need to know how the depreciation system in a car works and how it works. You also need to have basic car repair skills.

What is air suspension?

Air suspension is a shock absorption system with the ability to automatically adjust ride height without using physical force. It has a number of properties, due to which it is installed not only on trucks and trailers, but also, more recently, on cars.


Air suspension - what does it look like? Photo of air suspension.

These properties include:

  • Ability to control ride height. This function allows you to improve ride quality in any road conditions for its class, without changing the springs to stiffer and shorter ones or longer and softer ones. The air suspension can be adjusted for any of these options.
  • Smoothing out body vibrations on rough roads. Spring shock absorbers are more sensitive to uneven road surfaces, which in turn requires more careful driving on damaged roads. The air suspension compensates for these vibrations, thereby reducing vehicle vibration.
  • Excellent handling. Again, it is worth noting the fact that with different springs, different controllability. Stiffer springs give good handling on paved roads, but poor handling on rough roads. On soft springs it’s the opposite. The air suspension compensates for these differences by simply adjusting the pressure.
  • Preventing subsidence under heavy load. The air suspension makes it possible to adjust the stiffness and height at which the ride quality is constant, regardless of the amount of cargo or passengers in the car.

Also, the above properties can be considered the main advantages of the suspension, for which most car enthusiasts purchase them.

Disadvantages of air suspension

Despite the many advantages, it has several significant disadvantages that may affect the installation decision.
Firstly, they are much more expensive than conventional shock absorbers, since the initial costs include the purchase of air bags, a compressor that will inflate them, an air receiver that regulates low ground clearance without a compressor, as well as pneumatic lines, sensors and a control unit. As a result, the sum of the components turns out to be too expensive and not practical.


Air spring photo.

The second factor is the almost complete lack of maintainability. This means that if any part of the system fails, it will only need to be replaced, which entails additional costs.


Air suspension operation diagram

Another important factor is poor resistance to frost and road agents, because of which the service life of the air suspension is significantly reduced. If in case of frost, it will be enough to pour a little alcohol or a composition used in pneumotomosis into the pillow, then only branded and high-quality pneumatic pillows have protection against reagents.

Instructions for installing air suspension with your own hands

If you still decide to install air suspension, and do it yourself, then you will need to purchase the following components:
  • A compressor that will pump air into the air bag;
  • receiver, adjusts the clearance height without the participation of a compressor;
  • air bags, which, in fact, act as shock absorbers;
  • lines that combine all components into a single pneumatic system;
  • sensors that allow you to control the tilt of the body and its position, pressure in the system;
  • the suspension control unit automatically controls the entire installation and processes the signal coming from the sensors;
  • fastening parts.

It is advisable to order a turner in advance for fastenings. To avoid unreliability of the design, it is advisable not to touch the factory mounting grooves that are already in the car, but to adjust the installation to them. In the future, this will make it possible, if necessary, to replace them back with springs without much difficulty.


Photo of installing air suspension with your own hands

To install the suspension, you need to put the car on jacks, then remove the wheels and springs.
Further actions depend on the type of installation: you can install a combined suspension, where the cushions are installed directly into the spring or a separate air cushion, which is structurally more complicated. In general, the installation consists of the following steps:

  1. removal of racks;
  2. preparing a site for installing fasteners;
  3. installation of pillows with valves in mountings;
  4. racks with installed air bags are secured in place;
  5. at the next stage, the main air supply system, sensors, control unit, compressor and receiver are installed.

It is worth mentioning separately the backbone system. If you plan to install air shock absorbers on both axles, then it is advisable to use a four-circuit suspension instead of a dual-circuit one. It includes four valves, while controlling each of them separately. This will allow you to more flexibly regulate the roll of the car, since each airbag will maintain a given pressure. The compressor and receiver are usually installed in the luggage compartment.


Air suspension air bags photo

After installing and connecting the system to the compressor and receiver, it is necessary to display the control panel with sensor readings and suspension adjustment buttons.

The last step is to calibrate the pneumatic system by pumping a small amount of air into the system and checking the clearance and pressure when the vehicle is fully loaded. We also immediately diagnose possible leaks by hearing or using a soap solution. It is important to ensure that all airbags are inflated evenly and that the ground clearance is the same in both the front and rear of the car. The camber will also need to be re-adjusted.

Air suspension price

The average cost of a complete set of air suspension parts is approximately 30,000 - 40,000 rubles. The most expensive part is the air struts with a cushion and cost around 20,000 rubles. for all. The price of a compressor ranges from 4,000 to 5,000 rubles. Solenoid valves – 500 rub. for one. The rest of the cost consists of a pressure gauge, hoses, wires and relays.

Based on the above, it is advisable to install air suspension only on foreign cars or in warmer climates. Installation, for example, on a VAZ is not cost-effective. If you purchase cheaper components, they will quickly fail. It can justify itself only if the air bags are made of frost-resistant rubber and are not exposed to chemicals, but these are quite expensive.